Trust Khosa
IMAGINE Jah Prayzah, Winky D and Alick Macheso taking part in a well-organised fun run for a worthy cause.
What about seeing comedians such as Frets Donzvo, Admire “Bhutisi” Kuzhangaira and Comic Elder (Leroy Zaware) joining the initiative?
Or witnessing gospel singer Janet Manyowa, television personality Rebecca Chisamba and social media personality Mai TT (Felistas Murata) embracing the same cause?
Well, this could become a reality on November 15 when the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) hosts its inaugural fun run at Belgravia Sports Club in Harare dubbed “Arts In Motion”.
The initiative seeks to promote mental wellness and unity among creatives from different disciplines, while encouraging them to embrace physical activity as a way of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
NACZ expects at least 1,500 participants from the arts and sporting sectors to take part in the event, which will feature races over 21km, 10km and 5km distances. Professional runners are also expected to join the initiative.
“It’s our first initiative as NACZ aimed at bringing together creatives, professionals and sports personalities,” NACZ spokesperson Agga Nyabinde told Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub.
“We have decided to come up with new ideas that can help us raise awareness of issues affecting creatives in our industry.
“As creatives, we go through a lot, but there are always ways and means of overcoming these challenges.
“One such way is through sporting activities, which can help us stay refreshed and maintain our well-being.
“A fun run is now on the cards, and we are glad that we will bring together creatives and sports personalities.”
Nyabinde said registration was already underway and emphasised that the event was open to both amateur and professional runners.
“It’s not only for amateurs. We are doing the best we can to ensure that we accommodate everyone.
“Of course, the presence of our arts and sports personalities would raise the appeal of the fun run, but we want to accommodate everyone.
“These are some of the initiatives we are introducing to bring together creatives who hardly get such opportunities to interact and participate as a group.
“We are more than ready for the event, and I think the date is ideal for most creatives, since it will be a relaxed Sunday after hustling throughout the week,” he added.
Under the leadership of Napoleon Nyanhi, the NACZ has been actively exploring initiatives aimed at bringing together stakeholders in the creative sector and addressing some of the challenges they face.
The fun run represents a departure from conventional arts programming, demonstrating how activities outside the traditional performance space can help foster stronger relationships among musicians, actors, comedians, visual artists and other creative practitioners.
Mental wellness remains an important consideration in the creative industry, where demanding schedules, financial pressures and the uncertainties of pursuing an artistic career can take a toll on practitioners.
By encouraging physical activity and interaction, the NACZ hopes to provide creatives with an opportunity to unwind, connect and appreciate the importance of looking after their well-being.
The fun run is part of a broader programme of activities being pursued by the council under its new leadership.
A series of workshops covering financial literacy, management, grooming and etiquette has also been conducted to equip creatives with practical skills that can support their professional growth.
By engaging its constituency through workshops and initiatives such as the fun run, the NACZ deserves credit for exploring fresh ways of connecting with the people it serves.
